Parenting Books

    • The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp
      • This book has great practical basic advice from the same guy that wrote Happiest Baby on the Block. He gives simple strategies and the first two chapters give good insight on toddler development and how to navigate it.  
    • Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting from Birth to Six Years by Jim Fay & Charles Fay
      • This breaks down the whole Love&Logic parenting model specifically for the young years with lots of ideas and examples. I refer to this book all the time.
    • Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
      • This book works. It gave my husband and I the tools to know when to intervene into siblings fights, and exactly what to say. It helps us to guide our kids to navigate their own conflicts, negotiate, and share their feelings effectively.This book has worked for all three of my children, three and up, although there are some strategies that work best for older kids, six and up.
    • Better Together Because You’re Not Meant to Mom Alone by Jill Savage
      • I actually haven’t read this book but it looks so good that I had to recommend it!
    • The Missional Mom: Living With Purpose at Home and in the World by Helen Lee
      • I really appreciated the perspective in this book about how to model to your kids about living with a mission-mindset in life.
    • Surprised By Motherhood by Lisa-Jo Baker
      • This is an honest, refreshing story of one woman’s journey into motherhood.
    • Am I Messing Up My Kids? By Lysa Terkeurst
      • Lysa shares honest mom-stories and fears that every mom has. I laughed and cried quite a bit!
    • Praying Circles Around Your Children by Mark Batterson
      • This is a quick read, and it helps moms see the importance of praying for your children, specifically with repetitive “circle” prayers. Loved this!
    • Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
      • If you think your child is on the “spirited” side — whether it’s lots of energy, intensity, or sensitivity, then you will love this book. Rather than labeling him/her as a problem child, this book will help you see him/her from a unique, positive perspective and give you practical tools for everyday life.
    • Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys by Stephen James and David Thomas
      • This book is fantastic if you have one boy, two boys or however many the case may be.  I have found it valuable for understanding how my little men think (or don’t think), and why they are the way they are.
    • Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson
      • Made me feel like my job as a mother of boys was super important! (There is also a book for Bringing up Girls!)
    • Brave Mom:Facing and Overcoming Your Real Mom Fears by Sherry Surratt
      • This book challenged me and encouraged me to live boldly and trust the Lord with my kids and my motherhood.
    • Parenting By Design by Chris and Michelle Groff
      • Laura and Anna love this book! At the heart of it, is this: We want our children to obey us. This book will help you parent with grace and love, two key elements in motivating a child to obey.